In December, I graduated from college, which means that my jobs through the university ended. I did not immediately start looking for new jobs, since I needed a break after my incredibly stressful semester. The break was very good for me, I believe. It also confirmed how I have this need to stay busy pretty much all the time.
In mid-January, I was hired at both SoHo; a sushi bar and deli, and Jokers; a comedy nightclub. I do deli at SoHo during the day, and I am a cocktail waitress at Jokers in the evenings. Between the two, I've been averaging about 25 hours a week, but I am hoping that this will increase the more experience I get.
SoHo is relatively low impact on my back, though I have had my pains adjusting to standing on my feet again. The pain in the beginning wasn't really severe, anyway. I have since adjusted fairly well, so it has not given me too many problems.
Jokers has been a little more painful, though not unbearably so. The first full shift I worked (7 pm-4 am) really, really hurt. However, since I was adjusting to being on my feet that long, lifting trays that I am not used to lifting, and wearing a corset (which helps in some ways and hurts in others), I see this as an isolated incident. In fact, I have not had too many problems with pain since then, though adjusting has taken a little longer.
I have not had the coughing/allergy symptoms that I had during school. I think that this is due to the massive decrease in stress. I have, however, managed to get swimmer's ear currently, which has previously been a problem. The pain associated with that, unfortunetly, has been rather severe, but it should clear up in a few days. I hope.
I will try to keep you updated on my progress. Though I am not 100% pain free, I am managing my pain much better than I did previously.
To the wonderful woman who has helped me in recent months (she knows who she is), thank you immensely. I just hope you read this sometime, and hopefully we'll be able to meet again under much better circumstances.
